Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER, frequently referred to as “J-Bear”) in Anchorage, Alaska, frequently ranks high on military PCS move dream sheets, and for good reason.
When it comes to quality of life, a tax-friendly state, and endless, rugged beauty (conveniently located next to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, with metropolitan amenities), it’s easy to see why those who PCS to JBER often decide to make this Arctic destination their forever home.
JBER is a large installation, comprised of both Elmendorf Air Force Base and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Richardson. The Anchorage military community is home to over 32,000 people, three Air Force total-force wings, two Army brigades, and 55 other tenant units.
Alaska has long been a strategic location for a military presence in the Arctic, dating back to 1867 when the U.S. brokered a deal to purchase Alaska from Imperial Russia. As military missions became increasingly important during World War II, military units and airfields continued to expand across Alaska. In 2010, Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson merged to form Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, with combined missions to support and defend U.S. interests for the Asia Pacific region.
Getting to JBER might be a trek, but it’s well worth the adventure. The installation offers a high quality of life and job satisfaction. Coupled with numerous base-facilitated outdoor adventures and an overall lifestyle factor, it’s easy to see why JBER has earned distinction as the winner of the Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence multiple times.
An assignment to JBER is considered an overseas PCS move, and military members will get an overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), which helps offset expenses.
There are three ways to get to JBER: fly, drive, or ferry from Washington state, or a combination of the above. A key consideration for travel will be the time of year you will move to JBER. From the end of September through mid-April, it's best to fly–unless you're experienced in driving in severe winter conditions.
For those wishing to drive, particularly in the summer months, the Mile Post Magazine and the Facebook group, Driving the Alcan – Alaska Canadian Highway, are both excellent resources to help you with maps, travel planning, lodging, gas stations, and more.
Alaska has a well-earned reputation for being a wild, rugged state. After all, the state’s motto is "The Last Frontier." And while the state gets its fair share of snow, and it is true that the moose may eat the roses in your front yard, Anchorage has a few pleasant surprises in store.
The Anchorage area has a more temperate climate than you might expect. Sure, the area gets snow, and quite a bit of it, averaging 182 inches annually, but it’s not a squalling, constant blizzard that might come to mind when someone mentions Alaska. In the coldest months of January and February, the temperatures average 14° to 23° Fahrenheit. While still cold, it’s not the sub-zero tundra that you may be expecting.
There are towns in Alaska that live in complete darkness for months during long Arctic winters, but Anchorage is not one of them. While the days are shorter during winter, Anchorage will still enjoy daylight for five to six hours, even in the winter. On the plus side, by April the days stretch to twelve and thirteen hours of daylight. By July, it’s not uncommon to enjoy a sunset at 11 p.m.
There are bears and moose that live directly on JBER in the wooded areas. Sometimes they make it into residential neighborhoods in base housing. Don’t approach them, be sure to give them space, and never, ever feed them.
Rent, buy, or live on base—you’ll have all three options at JBER. Anchorage has always been a notoriously high-cost living area, so be prepared for a bit of sticker shock if you're looking to buy a home.
Aurora Military Housing operates privatized housing on JBER and has a number of home plans available. There are 3,262 units across 19 neighborhoods, and schools directly on base. As soon as you know your arrival date and that you want to live in JBER military housing, contact Aurora to get put on the waitlist.
Homes in Anchorage are pricey, and a good home in a nice area will easily run into the $475,000+ price point. South Anchorage is a popular neighborhood for families looking to buy.
For a small-town feel, many families look to Eagle River when buying a home. Eagle River is north of JBER, but with a fairly easy commute of twenty or thirty minutes. As the town is nestled at the base of the Chugach Mountains, it’s hard to beat the beauty of Eagle River, and it would be a good choice for families considering military retirement in Alaska.
For those who don’t mind a commute, you'll get a bit more bang for your buck by living in “the Valley.” The Valley consists of the communities of Palmer and Wasilla, and home prices tend to run less than a comparable property in either South Anchorage or Eagle River. The prime drawback, or prime benefit for some, will be a 45- to 60-minute commute. In the summer when the roads are clear, the commute is a breeze. But in the winter, an hour-long commute can stretch into two hours in inclement weather.
Quality of life is the prime draw for those seeking an assignment to JBER, and it's an outdoor paradise. With a major international airport, mountain ranges, forests, hiking, and access to the sea, there are plenty of solo and family-friendly things to do. Here are a few ideas!
Many military members choose Alaska for their retirement, and particularly JBER. In addition to a tax-friendly environment (there is no state income tax in Alaska), JBER often parlays into a satisfying post-military career as a federal civilian. Additionally, the Anchorage area is very military-friendly, and offers excellent veteran medical care through the VA Hospital, which also shares state-of-the-art medical facilities with the JBER medical group.
The convenience and amenities of a large city, combined with the retiree benefits of continued military installation access, make JBER an attractive retirement destination. The jaw-dropping beauty of the surrounding mountains, endless hiking trails, rivers and lakes, glaciers, and wildlife are truly a nature-lover’s dream come true.
Want to learn more about JBER? The installation has several helpful resources to help you get settled to Alaska!
Moving to JBER? Take a look at MilitaryByOwner's inventory of homes for sale or rent in the area!